OC Test 2026 Dates & Timeline
Updated:
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For parents of Year 4 students waiting on 2026 OC outcomes for Year 5 entry in 2027
Key dates at a glance
- Applications open: 6 November 2025
- Applications close: 20 February 2026
- Last day to update details: 13 March 2026
- Test dates: 8-9 May 2026
- Illness/misadventure (main test): 15 May 2026
- Make-up test: 22 May 2026
- Illness/misadventure (make-up): 29 May 2026
- Last day to change school choices: 5 June 2026
- Outcomes expected: 9 September 2026
- Outcomes appeal deadline: 16 September 2026, 11:59 pm
- Reserve decision date: 3 December 2026, 3:00 pm
- OC classes begin: Term 1, 2027
Dates are based on the 2026 OC placement cycle for 2027 entry. Always confirm with the official NSW DoE key dates.
Complete 2026 OC Timeline
Applications open
6 November 2025
Parents can submit applications via the online portal
Applications close
20 February 2026
Late applications are not accepted. Last day to request reasonable adjustments for the test.
Last day to update details
13 March 2026
Final day for parents to update their details in the application dashboard, including current school
OC Placement Test
8-9 May 2026
Students are allocated to attend one test day only
Illness/misadventure deadline (main test)
15 May 2026
Last day for parents to submit an illness or misadventure request for the main test
Make-up Test
22 May 2026
For students with an approved illness or misadventure request
Illness/misadventure deadline (make-up test)
29 May 2026
Last day for parents to submit an illness or misadventure request for the make-up test only
Last day to change school choices
5 June 2026
Final opportunity to update your school preferences
Placement outcomes expected
9 September 2026
Results and placement offers expected in the application dashboard. This is an expected date and can still move.
Outcomes appeal deadline
16 September 2026, 11:59 pm
Last day for parents to submit an outcomes appeal
Reserve decision date
3 December 2026, 3:00 pm
Families with an accepted offer who are also on a higher-choice reserve list must decide by this time
Year 5 OC classes begin
Term 1, 2027
Successful students start at their allocated OC school. Reserve offers can continue into Term 1 of Year 6.
Preparation timeline
With the test in May 2026, here's how to structure your preparation:
6+ months before (Nov 2025 and before)
- Take diagnostic tests to establish baseline
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Build foundational skills
- Establish a regular practice routine
3-6 months before (Dec 2025 - Feb 2026)
- Intensify practice sessions
- Focus on weak areas
- Complete full-length practice tests
- Submit application (closes 20 Feb)
1-3 months before (Mar - Apr 2026)
- Regular timed practice tests
- Refine time management
- Review common question patterns
- Build test-day confidence
Final weeks (May 2026)
- Light review only
- Focus on rest and wellbeing
- Ensure logistics are sorted
- Stay calm and confident
Application checklist
When applications open on 6 November 2025, you'll need:
- Your child's school enrolment details
- Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa
- Your preferred OC schools (you can list multiple preferences)
- Any supporting documentation for disability provisions (if applicable)
Important: Late applications are not accepted. Set a reminder for early February to ensure you don't miss the 20 February 2026 deadline.
Official resources
Related guides & next steps
If this page helped, here's where to go next.
Disclaimer: Dates on this page are based on publicly available information from the NSW Department of Education for the 2026 OC placement cycle (for 2027 entry). The Department may change dates without notice. Always verify dates on the official NSW DoE website before making any decisions.